GM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

GM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

July 10, 2017 admin , , ,

Warren, Mich. – July 10, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 40,000 vehicles possibly equipped with dysfunctional software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects over one dozen models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2014 – 2017 Buick Encore sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Buck Lacrosse sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicles
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit sedans
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette sports cars
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickups
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Spark compacts
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet SS sports sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Trax sport utility vehicle
  • 2014 – 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL sport utility vehicles

GM suspects 75 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the outdated software.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain sensing and diagnostic module software that may not properly deploy front air bags and seat belt pre-tensioning features in the event of an accident.

This poses serious safety risks to drivers and passengers, as they may be left unprotected during collisions. However, the car company has not reports connecting the defective software to accidents or injuries as yet.

Timeline of events

In September of last year, GM recalled more than 3 million vehicles believed to contain problematic SDM software, according to the NHTSA. Approximately 100 percent of the cars involved in the campaign contained the defect.

GM ordered dealers to update the software in all recalled vehicles free of charge, a process that began that very month. Roughly 2.9 million were eventually serviced.

In April 2017, GM personnel conducted an internal audit, reviewing recall and repair records for recent campaigns.

Auditors discovered three instances in which dealers had failed to update the SDM software on vehicles involved in the September 2016 yet reported that the repairs had been successfully executed.

These findings prompted the auditors to evaluate additional repair records and OnStar diagnostic data for approximately 30,000 vehicles named in the aforementioned campaign.

This data indicated that many more models connected to the campaign, an estimated 41,000, might have never received the SDM software update. On May 18, the auditors filed an internal report via the GM Speak Up program.

The GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority chose to conduct an official safety recall June 30. Dealers received notification July 10.

The solution

GM has once again ordered dealers to update the SDM software in affected models. The automaker has pledged to reimburse owners for the repair, according to documents submitted to the NHTSA.

However, GM has not publicized an official notification date for owners.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

adminGM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

Hyundai recalls vehicles for parking brake indicator issue [Video]

July 8, 2017 admin ,

Fountain Valley, Calif.—June 9, 2017—In one of a pair of Hyundai recalls, the manufacturer is taking action on vehicles with possible warning light issues for their parking brakes. This recall concerns more than 161 vehicles, with 1 percent estimated to have the defect .

If the electrical switches in these vehicles corrode, then the parking brake light could fail to display at the right times. Some of the signs of this issue are noise, smoke or extra resistance from the parking brake.

Owner notification was set for June 30. Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the parking switch with a new one made of different material. As of June 5, the manufacturer was not aware of any accidents due to this defect.

Stay tuned for more recall updates.

adminHyundai recalls vehicles for parking brake indicator issue [Video]
Jeep recalls vehicles with incorrect jump-starting information

Jeep recalls vehicles with incorrect jump-starting information

July 7, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 7, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled nearly 13,000 vehicles containing user guides with inaccurate jump-starting instructions, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Compass sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 17, 2016 and April 28, 2017. FCA estimates 100 percent of the models named in the recall are equipped with the faulty information.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain user guides with inaccurate jump-starting instructions. These flawed reference materials feature an image of the Jeep Compass battery terminal with reversed polarities. This not only confuses owners in need of assistance, but also creates a serious safety hazard, as attaching jump starting cables in the manner shown in the instructions may produce a dangerous electrical charge. However, the FCA has not received reports of any accidents or injuries connected to the inaccurate user guides.

Timeline of Events

On May 31, an FCA supplier reported that the user guides installed in some 2017 Jeep Compass models might contain inaccurate information. The car company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group immediately launched an investigation into the supposed issue. Roughly one week later, FCA engineers reviewed the user guides and confirmed that the instructions did indeed contain an error. The VSRC group then initiated an internal review in search of customer complaints, injury reports or warranty claims connected to the defective user guides. This review ultimately uncovered one customer complaint mentioning the inaccurate materials.

On June 30, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the findings and recommended an immediate voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA will order dealers to distribute accurate user guides containing correct jump-starting directions. The automaker has pledged to reimburse owners for the amended instructions, provided they can submit proof of purchase in the form of a receipt or other documentation. FCA plans to notify dealers and owners Aug. 21, 2017. Individuals in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminJeep recalls vehicles with incorrect jump-starting information
New Jaguar recalls pertain to XJ air bag issues

New Jaguar recalls pertain to XJ air bag issues

July 6, 2017 Rebecca Rand

Mahwah, NJ—July 6, 2017—In a new recall, Jaguar has addressed airbag software in thousands of its XJ vehicles. According to a posting on Car Complaints, the affected autos were from the model years of 2010 and 2011, and the software in the restraint control module was said to not allow them to function properly. The recall follows an investigation into the calibration of these systems, which changed after an improper update.

The recall is set to begin this August and will, as the source said, make up for the fact that the warranty period has expired in these vehicles. Fixing these vehicles will involve updating the software to reflect the correct calibration, and therefore help reduce air bag deployment issues in the event of impact.

Earlier this year, the Jaguar XJ was part of a different air bag-related recall. A Research.com piece on the action said that these vehicles were produced between September and October in 2016 and had issues with the deflators instead of the software.

In both cases, the danger arose from a possible flaw that would keep the airbag from expanding correctly, and the earlier recall specifically involved the passenger side air bag. This recall had a manufacturer number of J080 and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall number of 16V943000.

Unlike the more recent recall, this previous one, submitted to the NHTSA on Dec. 22, 2016, only pertained to 16 vehicles, though 100 percent of these were estimated to have the defect, according to a Part 573 Safety Recall Report for the action.

The France-based manufacturer of the key recall component was NCS Pyrotechnie et Technologies SAS, and the original owner notification date was given as Feb. 20, almost a month after the initial dealer notification date of Dec. 28.

Rebecca RandNew Jaguar recalls pertain to XJ air bag issues
BMW recalls models with faulty occupant detection features

BMW recalls models with faulty occupant detection features

July 6, 2017 admin

 

Westwood, N.J. – July 6, 2017 – BMW North America has recalled more than 2,100 vehicles potentially equipped with defective passenger detection features, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Association. This campaign, which is an amendment to an earlier recall conducted in November 2013, affects a number of BMW models, including:

  • 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi sedans
  • 2006 325xi station wagons
  • 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi and 550i sedans
  • 2006 530xi station wagons

BMW estimates that 6 percent of the total vehicles named in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

The vehicles included in this recall may come equipped with occupant detection mats susceptible to microcracking. These structural fissures could interrupt the conductive pathways within the mats and cause complete fixture failure. In this scenario, passenger safety features such as air bags would fail to deploy in the event of a crash. This poses serious risks to passengers, who could be left unprotected should a serious accident occur.

BMW has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In 2008, BMW conducted recalls in Canada and the U.S. to address nonworking passenger detection mats, according to internal documents submitted to the NHTSA. The car company also introduced new mat models featuring alloy into production facilities. Four years later, the Canadian transportation department contacted BMW regarding customer complaints surrounding the improved detection mats. From November 2012 to March 2013, BMW engineers reviewed the complaints and the associated vehicles and determined that the alloy mats were defective. In April of that year, the automaker initiated a recall campaign in Canada.

One month later, it launched an investigation in the U.S. to determine if American owners were also dealing with problematic passenger detection mats. While initial NHTSA database surveys yielded low numbers of warranty claims related to the defect, a more exhaustive review conducted in August 2013 revealed claim rates similar to those in the Canadian market. With this data in hand, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall in the U.S.

In April 2017, the NHTSA reached out to BMW and requested information on models named in the 2013 recall. The agency realized that some of these vehicles had been mentioned in recent customer complaints regarding passenger detection mats. BMW and the NHTSA came to the conclusion in May that some 2006 models had been left out of the 2013 campaign. Over the coming weeks, both parties analyzed production data and assembled a definitive list of vehicles whose passenger detection equipment needed to be replaced.

On June 28, BMW launched a voluntary safety recall to address these remaining models. The car company notified dealers July 6.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the passenger detection mats in affected vehicles free of charge. The automaker will reach out to owners Sept. 1 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact BMW customer service at (800) 524-7417 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminBMW recalls models with faulty occupant detection features
Toyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies

Toyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies

June 29, 2017 admin

Plano, Texas – June 29, 2017 – Toyota Motor North America has recalled more than 1,700 vehicles with defective tie rod assemblies, according to a company news release. The campaign affects 2017 Lexus ES 350 sedans.

The Defect

The vehicles named in the recall could contain improperly installed right-hand tie rod assemblies, according to Toyota. This defect, which often creates noise, can cause the vehicles to drift left or right while operating.

Additionally, in severe cases, drivers may experience loss of steering control. Both events can increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Toyota has not received reports of any injuries or wrecks related to the defective tie rod assemblies.

Timeline of Events

Toyota has not released details into the events or internal inquiry that led to the recall campaign.

The Solution

The car company has ordered dealers to inspect the tie rod assemblies on affected vehicles, specifically the right-hand-side lock nut. If this fixture is lose, dealers are to replace it, along with the steering gear and tie rod assemblies, at no cost to owners.

Toyota is expected to send out owner notifications via first-class mail later this month. However, the organization encourages owners who suspect they might have vehicles involved in the recall to check by entering their vehicle identification numbers at the Toyota recall portal or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s site, Safercar.gov.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminToyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies
Ford Issues Safety Recall For Around 400,000 Transit Vehicles

Ford Issues Safety Recall For Around 400,000 Transit Vehicles

June 28, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich., June 28, 2017—Ford Motor Company has recalled about 400,000 of its 2015-17 Transit van or bus vehicles in North America, with 370,630 in the U.S. alone. These models have chassis cab/cutaways with medium wheelbases and medium, long and extended wheelbases.

The Defect
Ford field testing showed that once the affected vehicles reach 30,000 miles, the driveshaft flexible coupling deteriorates. This issue can lead to driveline separation. As a result, the Transit can move while in park without the parking brake applied or lose motive power while driving. Damaged fuel and brake lines are also possible if the driveshaft separates from the transmission.

So far, Ford has not associated any accidents or injuries with the defect, although such incidents are possible.

Timeline of Events 
All the recalled vehicles originated from the company’s Kansas City Assembly Plant, with dates of manufacture ranging from Jan. 17, 2014 to June 15, 2017. Ford announced the recall June 28, 2017.

The Solution
Ford recalled the vehicles to replace the driveshaft flexible coupling. This interim repair is not necessary for affected models that have fewer than 30,000 miles. Additionally, the fix is not required for vans or buses with more than 30,000 miles that have had the coupling replaced within that mileage span.

Until a final repair is available and complete, affected vehicles will need a replacement coupling every 30,000 miles. Ford will send mail notifications to owners, who can receive repairs at Ford or Lincoln dealers at no cost. When available, the permanent fix will also come at no cost, and Ford will again send a mail notification instructing owners to schedule a repair appointment for their Transit vehicles.

adminFord Issues Safety Recall For Around 400,000 Transit Vehicles
General Motors recalls vehicles with faulty front seats

General Motors recalls vehicles with faulty front seats

June 27, 2017 admin

 

Warren, Mich. – June 27, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 760 vehicles that may be equipped with unsafe front seat head restraints, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2016-2017 Buick Envision sport utility models produced between May 16, 2017 and May 27, 2017. GM estimates that 45 percent of the cars named in the campaign contain the defective equipment.

The Defect

The vehicles mentioned in the recall could feature front head restraints that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202a, which mandates that all restraints attach securely to seat backs, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office. Buick Envision models come with backseat tablet computer holders that hook to the front seat head restraints. These devices could prevent restraints from fully engaging with seat backs, posing a serious safety hazard to drivers. However, GM has not received any accident or injury reports connected the defect.

Timeline of Events

On March 21, 2017, a GM employee and Envision owners filed an internal report alleging that the tablet holder prevented the head restraint on his vehicle from connecting properly with the seat back. The car company launched an official investigation May 11. GM engineers corroborated the report with the dealer that had sold the vehicle. The dealership also confirmed the tablet holder had been installed in multiple Envision models, some of which had been sold.

GM reviewed the instructions provided to dealers and discovered that they most likely caused confusion at the point of installation. Specifically, many technicians probably failed to remove the button caps located on the arms at the base of the head restraints, creating a situation in which these fixtures would not lock in place with the addition of the tablet holder.

On May 17, the Brand Quality Manager for Buick notified dealers across the country of the problem and instructed them to remove restraint button caps when installing tablet holders. The GM Open Investigation Review evaluated the investigation and resulting fix June 5. On the June 8, the automaker’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority chose to conduct a voluntary non-compliance recall.

The Solution

GM has distributed updated installation instructions. Dealers will reinstall the tablet holders in affected vehicles, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car company has yet to provide owner notification dates. However, those in need of immediate assistance can contact Buick customer service at (800) 521-7300 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminGeneral Motors recalls vehicles with faulty front seats
GM recalls Chevrolet SS vehicles

GM recalls Chevrolet SS vehicles

June 26, 2017 admin

 

Warren, Mich.—June 26, 2017—A new Chevrolet recall pertains to thousands of vehicles with a potential power steering issue. According to an acknowledgment statement filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers in certain Chevrolet SS models could suddenly lose electric power steering assistance while the vehicle is in motion. The specific models involved cover the years from 2014 to 2016 for the Chevrolet SS, though the recall itself comes from General Motors.

The Defect

The statement said that a power steering connector could suffer conductivity issues through fretting corrosion, possibly cutting off assistance altogether. This could in turn activate a warning light and noise to alert the driver, even though it might still technically be possible to drive the car. Estimates indicate approximately 95 percent of the 6,204 vehicles may have this issue. The affected components themselves are from Mando Corporation.

Timeline of Events

  • May 14, 2013: This was the earliest production date listed in the same NHTSA statement, applying specifically to the 2013 Chevrolet SS vehicles in the recall.
  • April 27, 2016: The production period for the 2016 vehicles involved in this recall ended on this day, making it the last of all of the included vehicles overall. The report did not list how many vehicles of each model year were included.
  • July 26, 2016: The gold-plated terminals, which were listed as part of the solution to the issue, were introduced on this date. However, the manufacturer reportedly didn’t discover this until it had begun its investigation the following year.
  • September 28, 2016: A related chronology document, also filed with the NHTSA, said that this date was when a report on steering warranty data brought the matter to GM’s attention.
  • March 23, 2017: The manufacturer began its official investigation on this day, with the actual recall decision coming on June 9.

The Resolution

The original statement listed the dealer notification date as June 15, with no date listed for owner notification at that time. The replacements will involve the previously introduced gold-plated terminals to fix the assembly, if such a repair is needed.

adminGM recalls Chevrolet SS vehicles

New BMW update to include previously recalled vehicles [Video]

June 23, 2017 admin ,

A new BMW recall builds off of an old one for another voluntary safety action. More than forty-five thousand light vehicles are part of this effort although just one percent is expected to contain the defect.

This fault means car doors could not fully close although they appear to, leading them to open unexpectedly, possibly during transit. The recall included seven different models, with the production dates ranging between two thousand four and two thousand eight.

As of May eighteenth, BMW gave no specific remedy. However, owner notification will happen July 10.

adminNew BMW update to include previously recalled vehicles [Video]

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